Battle for Brisbane stadium as protesters and police clash over new Olympic venue

Dozens of police have clashed with protesters during a stand-off over Brisbane’s planned Olympic stadium at Victoria Park.

Five people were arrested on Friday as protesters against the proposed 2032 Olympic venue were forcibly moved on by police and council officers.

First Nations groups and activists, who pitched an Aboriginal tent embassy, have occupied the site for months and have said they would not leave even when work starts on the $3.6billion stadium on Monday.

The groups say the area, known as Barrambin to the Turrbal and Yagara peoples, is a sacred ancient campsite, burial ground, and site for ‘sorry business’, which is a vital cultural practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities following a death or loss. 

On Friday, a man and a woman were taken into custody for obstructing and assaulting police officers while tents and other possessions were dismantled and confiscated as shouts of ‘shame’ rang out across the park.

After arrests were made in the morning, police set a 2pm deadline for others to move on, but more protesters flocked to the park to defend the area as word spread.

Moments after 2pm, police began forcefully removing protesters while forming barricades as they continued to take down tents.

A Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesman confirmed to Daily Mail on Friday evening that a further three people were taken into custody later in the day.

‘During today’s initial engagement, a man and a woman were taken into police custody in relation to obstruct and assault police offences,’ the spokesperson said.

‘This afternoon, police took a 50-year-old man and a 29-year-old man into custody, in relation to obstruct and assault police offences.

‘A 32-year-old woman was also taken into custody for breach of peace, however, was released without charge.

‘The QPS is committed to continuing to work with the community and our partner agencies.’

Some protesters were chanting ‘always was, always will be Indigenous land’, as others vowed to stay at the camp as long as it was physically possible.

Protesters have argued that the government ignored their human rights by fast-tracking the 63,000-seat stadium without proper consultation.

Ownership of the land is set to be transferred to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority on Monday.

Consultation with Traditional Owners will continue as the authority progresses planning and delivery for the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre.

The state government exempted Victoria Park from heritage, environmental and planning laws in 2025 and has converted it to freehold land.

Yagara Elder Gaja Kerry Charlton estimated up to 50 police officers arrived at the site on Friday morning, along with council staff.

Ms Charlton has challenged the project under section 10 of the federal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act.

The act gives the federal Environment Minister Murray Watt the power to halt the development if he is satisfied the site is of special Indigenous significance.

But the currently unresolved legal challenge will not stop earthmoving equipment from entering the site to start work next week.

‘If we cannot trust in our governmental processes, we’re in trouble, and I think the state’s in trouble under this sort of leadership of bulldozing and dismissing our voices,’ Ms Charlton said.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli confirmed this week that the planned work would not be stopped.

‘A city, a state, a nation and a globe are not going to be held hostage to a group of people who are making a political point,’ Crisafulli said.